Modulation of lipopolysaccharide stimulated nuclear factor kappa b mediated inos/no production by bromelain in rat primary microglial cells

ABSTRACT

Background: Microglial cells act as the sentinel of the central nervous system. They are involved in neuroprotection but are highly implicated in neurodegeneration of the aging brain. When over-activated, microglia release pro-inflammatory factors, such as nitric oxide [NO] and cytokines, which are critical in eliciting neuroinflammatory responses associated with neurodegenerative diseases. This study examined whether bromelain, the pineapple-derived extract, may exert an anti-inflammatory effect in primary microglia and may be neuroprotective by regulating microglial activation.